Sarah examined the empty podium closely, noticing small footprints in the mud nearby. «They’re small enough to be a child’s,» she said thoughtfully. Maximillian knelt, tracing the footprints carefully, noticing they led toward the old merchant buildings.
Emily held up a fragment of bright blue ribbon she’d found on the ground, carefully tucked between wooden planks. «Could belong to whoever took the egg,» she speculated quietly. The trio exchanged knowing glances, their curiosity intensifying.
Following the trail, they found themselves between historic houses leaning crookedly together like old friends whispering secrets. Maximillian pointed at one slightly open door, its old hinges creaking gently in the morning breeze. They stepped cautiously inside, their hearts beating faster.
The dimly lit room was musty, dust floating through streams of sunlight. On a wooden table lay an old parchment map, marked with strange symbols. Emily traced the symbols, murmuring, «This looks like a puzzle.»
Suddenly, voices approached from outside, making the trio jump. «Quick, hide,» Maximillian whispered, ushering Sarah and Emily behind crates stacked against the wall. They held their breath as footsteps entered the room.